Short Term 12, William And The Windmill Take Top SXSW Awards

Destin Daniel Cretton’s Short Term 12, an ensemble drama about a 20-something caretaker (Brie Larson) at a foster care facility, took home the Narrative Feature award at the South By Southwest Film Festival on Tuesday evening. In the Documentary category, Ben Nabors’ winning William and the Windmill took home the top prize for its insightful portrayal of an unusual student’s global triumphs.

The awards were handed out Tuesday evening at the Paramount Theater. Janet Pierson, Film Conference and Festival Producer, said in a release, “We know the juries had a tough job, but are grateful for their commitment to the task. We're thrilled with the quality of the work recognized.”

Also in the Narrative competition, the film Burma received a Special Jury Recognition for the power of its ensemble. The movie, directed by Carlos Puga, details an estranged father showing up on his child’s doorstep on the eve of an important family reunion. Audience Award winners will be announced once the film program at SXSW concludes on Saturday, March 16. For now, though, here are the 2013 SXSW Film Festival Award Winners: